C.J. Spiller returns to Bills

Posted by Michael David Smith on September 2, 2013, 7:13 AM EDT

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Bills running back C.J. Spiller has returned to Buffalo after spending a week back home in Florida, supporting his stunned family after his grandfather went on a shooting spree, killing two people and injuring two others before killing himself.

Spiller said it feels good to be back with my teammates.

“I wanted to be around my guys,” he said. “I wanted to come and practice with these guys and get ready for New England. I understand that it is a tragic event that took place. It’s going to take a while to cope with it. But at the same time, I can’t forget the task and the goal and the dreams that we have here as a team and as an organization. I want to be a part of that.”

It’s hard to imagine how anyone would react to something like this, and Spiller acknowledged that he’s still struggling with it.

“Obviously, I’m lying if I said I’ll put it behind me,” Spiller said. “It’s still early. There’s still some emotions there. When I get out there on the football field that’s all I’m worried about. When I go home and stuff like that, you should be able to cope with it. I’m pretty sure if I need any guidance or counseling, I’ll get that.”

Spiller will start at running back for the Bills when they open the season on Sunday.